Recently voted as one of the "10 most sacred spots on Earth," and dubbed by "Good Morning America" as "the most beautiful place in America," Sedona, Arizona, attracts more than 4.5 million visitors per year.
To longtime inhabitants who know well the history of Native American tribes who journeyed to Sedona for spiritual healing and to host sacred ceremonies, neither of these accolades comes as a surprise.
In fact, it is estimated that a large percentage of the 12,000 people who call Sedona their home are on a spiritual journey themselves and find many different outlets for spiritual expression — from nature hiking and church gatherings to yoga classes, workshops and seminars of all kinds. So, what is the draw to Sedona and how did this all get started?
There are many reasons to visit Sedona — the quaintness of the town, the wonderful weather, the restaurants and shops — but the most famous reasons are the incomparable red rocks and the town's ranking as one of the top vortex sites in the world.
What are the red rocks?
Sedona sits at 4,500 feet above sea level and is part of the Colorado Plateau straddling the Coconino and Yavapai counties in northern Arizona's Verde Valley. Considered high desert climate, there are no actual mountains here, and Sedona enjoys more than 300 days a year of sunshine.
Formerly an inland ocean area, receding waters over the course of millions of years eroded layers of sandstone and limestone creating buttes, mesas and pinnacles. Evidence of this aqua history is seen as many visitors report dreaming of sea life while visiting the area, which locals say is related to the remaining water energy in the area.
The sandstone was eventually covered with iron oxide, naturally forming rust, and the majestic red rocks of Sedona were created. The formations appear to glow in brilliant orange and red when illuminated by the rising or setting sun. By arriving in Sedona either in the early morning or late afternoon, you can visually capture this beauty.
Native people have a long history in this area, dating back to 4000 B.C. when hunter-gatherers roamed and settled in the Verde Valley area. By 1350 A.D., a settlement of sorts arose with the natives building pueblos and cliff houses. The remains of many of these dwellings can be seen today while hiking the red rocks, most notably at Montezuma's Castle, located not far from Sedona.
As you explore the landscape, you will see petroglyphs and pictographs left behind by these ancient peoples who were proficient in farming, basket-weaving and the arts of pottery and jewelry creation.
What is a vortex?
A vortex is a place, usually on or near an interesting rock formation, where people have reported feeling inspired by a beneficial source of energy that flows between the openings in the red rocks. Millions of people each year visit Sedona solely to experience the metaphysical connection of being at a vortex and that injection of peacefulness, calm and energy that visitors report.
Once in Sedona, finding a vortex is easy to do, and most vortex sites can be visited by hiking (trails vary from beginner to expert) or taking a jeep tour. Some of the more popular and accessible vortex sites in and around Sedona are listed below:
"Is the Earth's energy really swirling in these spots, with a kinetic electricity that twists the surrounding trees and makes visitors' bodies tingle? Or is the power of the Sedona vortex simply a state of mind — a product of the visitor's perception — and a result of the desire to find a sacred, natural spot where we can encounter an energy larger than ourselves?" Sedona's tourism website asks.
This magnificent history along with the awe inspiring vistas have long attracted people seeking to explore their spiritual nature to Sedona. It is said that once you have opened yourself up to the landscape of spiritual Sedona, she will beckon you back again and again.
